Hundreds of people in Wrexham and Flintshire have died from coronavirus since the pandemic reached the UK around two years ago.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that in Wrexham, 439 deaths involving Covid-19 had been provisionally registered up to March 12.

Of these, 303 were in hospitals, 105 in care homes and 28 in private homes. There was also one death in another communal establishment and two elsewhere.

It means deaths outside hospital settings accounted for 31% of the overall toll.

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In Flintshire, 461 deaths involving Covid-19 had been provisionally registered up to March 12.

Of these, 370 were in hospitals and 67 in care homes, while 20 occurred in private homes and one in a hospice. There was also one death in another communal establishment and two elsewhere.

It means deaths outside hospital settings accounted for 20% of the overall toll.

The deaths in the area were among 9,773 registered across Wales up to March 12.

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Reflecting on the second covid anniversary, Ian Donnelly, Acute Site Director of Wrexham Maelor Hospital, said: "On Wednesday, March 23rd we, along with the rest of the nation, will pause to reflect on the second anniversary of the first national lockdown, and the first reported death with COVID-19 in Wales, which was at Wrexham Maelor Hospital. 

"The amount of work and dedication from staff after two long hard years in response to the pandemic is incredible, and we're immensely grateful for their continued efforts. We hope all staff are able to take some time during the day to pause and reflect on our collective loss, and look forward to a brighter future. 

"We’d like to thank all staff for their dedication and commitment to the hospital, their patients and for supporting colleagues throughout the last two years.

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"COVID-19 hasn't gone away and with cases increasing in North Wales, we hope everyone in our community remains safe and vigilant."

Claire Collins, Marie Curie's bereavement coordinator, said coming together on March 23 is a way to "reflect on our collective losses in a mindful way".

She added: "There are still millions of people living with the deep trauma of losing a loved one during the last two years and we hope everyone finds comfort and embraces the day, whether you have had a close bereavement or not."

A minute's silence will be held at midday on Wednesday, March 23 to commemorate the day, and people are being encouraged to shine a light at 8pm or display flowers in their window to show support.